The 24-year-old came within inches of shocking world and European champions Spain when he blasted a rising shot towards the goal with 10 minutes remaining.
James McClean: “Two years ago, I was playing in the League of Ireland, so I have come a long way since then and it’s all a learning experience.
“To be here playing against Spain at Yankee Stadium, playing in the Premier League and going to the Euros, it’s been incredible.
“But at the same time, I will never forget where I came from. I think that’s important.
“It would have been nice to have a goal on the CV – a goal against Spain at Yankee Stadium – but it wasn’t to be.
“I did everything right. He dived before I hit it and there was an element of luck as well as world class.
“But he’s not one of the best in the world for nothing, so it just wasn’t to be.
“He was like a cat, wasn’t he? He dived and somehow – I don’t know how – he saved it. But as I say, he’s not one of the best in the world for nothing, is he?”